Sure, Dad might love another grill gadget, golf polo or coffee mug. But what he really might like this Father’s Day is an opportunity to get outside and try something new. From mountain biking clinics to guided fishing trips and kayaking, Northern Virginia offers plenty of opportunities for Dad to trade another tie for a memorable day outdoors. These local experiences that deliver nature, adrenaline and good eats are gifts he’ll be talking about long after Father’s Day is over.
Outwit an Escape Room
Bond over a brain teasing outing such as Bonds Escape Room in Clarendon (2800 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington), where players can try to save an elven forest or escape a sinister asylum. Tickets start at $34. At Immersive Gamebox in Ballston Quarter (4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington), your team can collaborate to survive and earn rewards on a digital adventure such as Paw Patrol, Squid game or a soccer arcade. A one-hour game is $38 for ages 12 and above, with discounts for seniors, students and children. Add on a two-drink package and make a night of it. At 5 Wits (also at (4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington) combine Dad’s love of escape room puzzles with his love for technology. It’s like a live-action adventure movie, where you are part of the story. Tickets range from $26 to $46 per person.
Throw Some Medieval Weapons
Prefer a challenge that’s more physical and perhaps a little cathartic? Test your aim and agility at Bad Axe Throwing (617 S. Pickett St., Alexandria), an outfit dedicated to bringing this traditional Canadian backyard pastime to cities across North America. Participants can also opt to throw a knife or a hatchet. Trained coaches will demonstrate the proper technique. Cost is $19 per person.
Savor a Whiskey Tasting
Our first president had a taste for whiskey, and you can sample historic rye and other spirits at George Washington’s Distillery and Gristmill at Mount Vernon (5512 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway). This reconstructed, working distillery produces small batch spirits on site. Tickets ($60 for general public, $50 for members) include general admission to the Mount Vernon Estate, a distillery tour, tastings of three distilled spirits and a commemorative Glencairn shot glass to take home. The distillery is open for tours on Saturdays, May-September. For a whiskey-themed weekend, head to Provenance Estate in Middleburg (35487 Snake Hill Road, Middleburg) for private bourbon tastings, complete with an overnight stay in a 19th century manor house. The Middleburg property offers pours of its flagship spirit, plus the chance to pull (or “thieve”) bourbons straight from the barrel, sample them and bottle your favorites to take home. Check the website for pricing and options.
Surf or Cruise the Potomac
Your water-loving dad can learn to wakeboard on the Potomac, channeling his inner Kelly Slater as he surfs down the river behind a speedboat. And he’s sure to be the envy of all his pals (and everyone on the shoreline) cruising past the monuments in a Bugatti jet car boat. Boat rental company Getmyboat provides wakesurfing lessons, tubing and a range of unique boat rentals. Book a big party pontoon boat with the whole family or head out on a captained luxury yacht charter complete with charcuterie boards, a party bus and a jet ski experience. Check the website for prices and locations.
Conquer an Aerial Adventure Course
Daredevil dads can take to the trees this Father’s Day at Go Ape’s aerial adventure course (7550 Reservation Drive, Springfield). Navigate obstacles and crossings high above the ground, swing on Tarzan swings and soar across ziplines. For an extra challenge and thrill, do it in the dark during one of the park’s Nights at Height events. Tickets are $64.95 per adult, $59.95 for youth and $39.95 for kids 8 and under.
Paddle the Sights
Get fit, burn off energy and take in views of the nation’s capital from a different perspective by renting Dad a kayak for the day. Adventures Unbound rents kayaks at Columbia Island Marina (George Washington Memorial Parkway, Arlington) on the weekends for $24.72 an hour. Afterward, relax with the fam at the marina’s Island Time indoor/outdoor restaurant, where you can sit under the pergola or play cornhole.
Go Fish
Is Dad angling for a fishing trip? Hire a guide for a half- or full-day outing on the Potomac and he can also do his part to help the local ecosystem. Capital Blues Fishing Charters, owned by Arlington native Owen Koch, is devoted to ridding the Potomac River of invasive blue catfish. Prices range from $475 to $725, depending on the length of time. Alternately, book a fly-fishing excursion with District Angling in Cherrydale (2105 N. Pollard St., Arlington). The store carries all the necessary gear and offers clinics on fly-fishing technique and fly tying. Check the website for pricing.
Rock a Yacht
Get up to thrill-ride speeds or drift serenely past D.C.’s monuments on open bow boats or multi-level yachts with Embark DC, and top off the experience with a glass of wine. Nautiste’s restored heritage yachts include a full crew and concierge-style planning. Hop aboard a Mahogany Yacht Charter for a daytime celebration or a picturesque sunset cruise with views of historic landmarks. Yet another boatload of fun: Be You! offers paint-and-sail yacht parties with the opportunity to create a work of art to take home.
Level Up Those Mountain Biking Skills
Help Dad improve his mountain biking technique with a gift certificate for a skills clinic. NINJA MTB runs clinics taught by certified coaches. Work on speed, body position, cornering and jumps at clinics in Alexandria, Richmond and Harrisonburg, Virginia. Check the website for dates and pricing.
Say “Yes Chef”
Celebrate Father’s Day June 20, 1 p.m., with a family-friendly cooking class focusing on grilling and wings at Sur La Table in Westpost (1101 S. Joyce St., Arlington). Kids can learn knife safety skills as they prepare veggie sticks and ranch dressing made from scratch. Chefs of all ages will also enjoy the pizza bar and ooey gooey S’mores Sundaes. The cost is $69 for participants ages 7 and up.
Enjoy a Father-Son Dinner
For the dad who loves to be wined and dined, Lyon Hall in Clarendon (3100 N. Washington Blvd., Arlington) is hosting a 5-course Father and Son Wine Dinner on June 23, 6 p.m. Executive Chef Miljohn DiMaano has curated a special menu including pork Milanese, jumbo lump crab cake, mushroom tortellini, lentil stew, and a “rum raisin” ice cream sandwich. Marc & Olivier Lotterie from Elite Wines and Vineyard Brands will present the evening’s vino. Tickets are $125 per person.